The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited, or Towngas, has introduced pipeline inspection drones to monitor outdoor high‑pressure gas transmission lines, aiming to speed up and improve the accuracy of pipeline assessments.
According to the company, the drones are equipped with laser gas detection technology and three‑dimensional terrain comparison systems, allowing them to fly along pipeline routes and conduct aerial monitoring. If a gas leak is detected, the system immediately issues a report, enabling repair work to begin without delay.
Dicky, from the Transmission Operation Department, explained that before drones were introduced, staff had to patrol the pipelines on foot.
They were also required to check cathodic protection equipment at least once every three months to evaluate the condition of underground pipelines.
After typhoons or heavy rain, additional inspections were necessary, often involving long treks up and down hills with heavy backpacks.
“It was tiring but manageable,” he said, “the real challenge was conducting inspections after severe weather.”
Since adopting drones, inspection times have been cut dramatically, while the precision of location reports has boosted repair efficiency.
The technology also allows staff to assess the surrounding environment before entering forested areas for repair work, giving them a clearer picture of terrain conditions and reducing the risks of operating in dense vegetation.
